Everything you need to know about the new Xperia 5

Don’t worry if you missed out on the full announcement at IFA: we’ve compiled this handy post with everything you need to know about this striking smartphone, and the key differences between Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 to help you choose the handset that best suits you.

Redefining immersive viewing

Fancy watching your favourite movies and boxsets in home cinema-quality, all in the palm of your hand? Thanks to Xperia 5’s 21:9 CinemaWide™ 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display, you can enjoy truly immersive entertainment in the same aspect ratio that many top Hollywood blockbusters are filmed in.

Xperia 1 owners will already be familiar with the stunning display powered by Sony’s award-winning BRAVIA® TV technologies with X1™ for mobile engine, and now Xperia 5 owners will be able to enjoy this technology too!

Diving into the tech specs, X1™ for mobile remasters content to High Dynamic Range (HDR) for exceptional clarity, contrast and colour.

Its 10-bit tonal gradation* delivers deeper blacks and true-to-life colours while Creator mode, “powered by CineAlta” and inspired by Master Monitor colour reproduction, means Xperia 5 boasts consistent colour reproduction true to the creator’s intent. This is the same technology used by filmmakers at major studios, including Sony Pictures.

In short, this means you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable viewing experience, no matter what your content of choice is. Gone are the days of trying to make out the small details of your favourite thriller on a screen that simply can’t handle the output!

Whether you opt for Xperia 1 or Xperia 5, you’re in for incredible smartphone entertainment.

Capture content like a pro

Since 1988, Sony has been synonymous with incredible photography. Xperia 1 users will already be familiar with the professional-grade technologies inspired by the Alpha division that now come in a handy, smartphone-sized package, and now Xperia 5 owners can enjoy the benefits of these same cutting-edge technologies.

With its 16mm super wide lens, versatile 26mm lens and 52mm telephoto lens, combined with BIONZ X™ for mobile, the Xperia 5’s advanced camera is able to shoot in a multitude of situations and lighting conditions.

When we launched Xperia 1 at MWC, we introduced the world’s first Eye AF** in a smartphone, allowing you to focus on your subject to ensure your shots are perfect every time.

The Xperia 5 also brings an intelligent new feature call ‘Photography advice’. This handy function uses AI technology to detect photography challenges, whether that’s a finger in front of the camera, the subject closing their eyes at the moment of capture, or an issue with autofocus.

The Game enhancer feature allows you to store all of your games in one place, as well as offering you in-game tips to help you battle bosses and clear levels in record time. All new for the Xperia 5 is the ability to record gameplay at 20fps and synthesise your voice with Game enhancer’s voice changing feature. Showing off your pentakills to friends and family has never been easier!

Stylish design in a sleek body

Xperia 5’s design team didn’t ‘monkey around’ when deciding the material to use for the exterior. Not only does Xperia 5 house some of the best Sony Mobile technology, it’s all encased in a premium body. The sleek metal frame is made from durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 on the front and back to help protect it from life’s bumps and drops. It’s also IP65/IP68 certified water resistant*** to guard it against the elements.

At 158 x 68 x 8.2mm, Xperia 5 is slimmer than Xperia 1 for an even more ergonomic feel in the hand, but the 21:9 screen still handles multitasking with two windows very comfortably.

Xperia 5 comes in four striking colours. Choose from Black or Grey for a bold handset with a classic feel, or opt for Blue or Red for a vibrant splash of colour.****

Hungry to find out more about the all new Xperia 5? Stay tuned to the blog for travel photography tips, media reactions to Xperia 5 and an interview with Mitsuya Kishida, President and Representative Director, Sony Mobile Communications.

*8 bit display with 2 bit software smoothing

** Xperia 1’s camera features Eye AF (autofocus) capable of identifying and keeping a human eye in focus. Verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAXService against the published camera specifications for over 14,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 16th May 2019 .

*** Xperia 5 is water resistant and protected against dust, so don’t worry if you get caught in the rain or want to wash off dirt under a tap, but remember all ports and attached covers should be firmly closed. You should not put the device completely underwater; or expose it to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The device has been tested under Ingress Protection rating IP65/68. For more info, see www.sonymobile.com/waterresistant. Note Xperia 5 has a capless USB port to connect and charge. The USB port needs to be completely dry before charging.